Seven earthquakes, series of tremors felt ahead of major 7.6 magnitude quake in Japan

Japan on Monday issued a major tsunami warning in its Ishikawa prefecture after a series of earthquakes and tremors were felt in the country’s west. A major quake of magnitude of 7.6 later struck the country triggering an alert of tsunami that could reach as high as 5 meters along the coastal regions of Niigata and Toyama prefectures, the NHK TV reported citing Japan Meteorological Agency.

A tsunami measuring  height of 1.2 metres and another measuring 40cm reached Wajima city in Ishikawa and Kashizawaki city, respectively. The tremors and the earthquake elevated the water levels in the country’s eastern province of Gangwon, South Korean meteorological agency warned. While people rushed to evacuate the coastal areas of Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama and Yamagata prefectures, giant 1.2 metres waves arose in the Noto Peninsula’s Wajima Port in Ishikawa. Throughout Sea of Japan coast, warning of tsunami of up to 3 meters was activated.

Japan’s Noto Peninsula experienced nearly seven earthquakes, and tremors were registered all across Japan as of 5 p.m., of which nearly 11 were officially recorded. The tsunami warning for the Noto Peninsula was the highest level compared to all the three levels of the warnings issued across Yamagata, Hyogo, Kashiwazaki, Niigata prefectures.

The strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake hits Kanazawa Station, Japan 🇯🇵 (01.01.2024)

Video: Gingiraginchan(X) pic.twitter.com/VthevS7Pr3

— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) January 1, 2024

The area where the major earthquake struck in Japan houses the Hokuriku Electric Power, Tokyo Electric Power Co said, adding that it is being inspected for any issues. There were no immediate reports of irregularities at the power plant.

BREAKING!🚨 Ishikawa Prefecture region of Japan rings in the New Year 2024 with a 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake causing hazardous tsunamis up and down the Western coast. 😬😬😬

Pray for Japan! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/1pemOKkmja

— The Patriot Voice (@TPV_John) January 1, 2024

Japan has witnessed world’s 10 strongest ever measured earthquakes reaching maximum 9.0 on the moment magnitude scale. According to Geoforschungszentrum Potsdam (GFZ)  researchers, the country witnesses constant reversals of ground motion and shifts in continental plate that leads to multiple tremors and smaller earthquakes before the major one strikes.